Latest from Banking and finance

Ombudsman fields gripes over banks' behaviour
The banking ombudsman has had 10 complaints about the loan-to-value-ratio (LVR) changes introduced on October 1, with eight related to banks withdrawing prior approvals.

New-home builds on hold
One of NZ's largest home builders says new loan restrictions have cost it 24 new-home builds in the first month alone - and it expects more as the policy bites.

Widespread bank pay delay
Payments between New Zealand banks have been restored after a glitch at ANZ New Zealand led to industry-wide disruptions.

Shadow board tips Reserve Bank to hold rate
The NZIER shadow board believes the Reserve Bank should leave the official cash rate on hold at 2.5 per cent when it reviews it tomorrow.

Buyer furious as bank pulls loan
An Auckland man is furious his pre-approved home loan was withdrawn less than 24 hours after he called his bank and was assured the deal was sound.

Court sets December deadline for joining lawsuit over bank fees
The High Court has given ANZ/ National Bank customers until December 13 to sign up to a lawsuit against the bank over fees, according to a group taking the case.

Door open for more bank fee complaints
A court ruling means thousands more people could sign up to a lawsuit against the ANZ bank over fees.

Mining boosts Oz wallets
Australia is nearing the end of a mining boom which has largely insulated the economy from the travails of the global financial crisis.

Ex Fed Reserve chairman strikes back
Former Fed Reserve chairman strikes back in a new book at allegations he helped cause the global financial crisis.

Global money laundering scams hit NZ
Business owners are being warned to watch out for overseas money laundering scams, which are targeting New Zealand's small businesses.

Bank agrees to revisit LVR if data shows up problem
The Reserve Bank yesterday confirmed it has agreed to re-examine its new mortgage lending restrictions if data shows they are crimping the supply of new homes.

Treasury suggests capital gains tax
Treasury suggested introducing a capital gains tax and restrictions on foreign buyers as part of a long term prescription to curb house price increases, documents released today show.

NZ dollar jumps on US jobs news
The New Zealand dollar has jumped to its highest in more than five months.

Solid Energy secures restructuring deal
Solid Energy has secured its restructuring deal with most of its banks and the Government following a series of meetings today in Christchurch.

One in four ASB KiwiSavers not saving
ASB - the country's second largest KiwiSaver provider - says nearly one in four of its members are not contributing to their retirement savings.

Aussies cash in stakes in buoyant retirement firms
Australian investment funds are taking advantage of a buoyant New Zealand retirement village industry to exit their stakes in the sector's main players.

Family feud shuts burrito stores
The future of a popular Mexican burrito chain - and the jobs of 100 workers - is in serious doubt as a result of a bitter family feud.

Card warning: Keep up to avoid charges
One of the country's leading banks is about to start charging interest on each transaction if customers default on their payments.

Close watch on KiwiSaver
Watchdog checks progress as several providers struggle to meet deadline for new reports.

KiwiSaver funds slow to show new info
Some of the big KiwiSaver providers have been slow to put up new information disclosing fees, performance and where money is invested.